Wither

By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males born with a lifespan of 25 years, and females a lifespan of 20 years--leaving the world in a state of panic. Geneticists seek a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Yet her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement; her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next; and Rhine has no way to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom? - Amazon

My Review
I started this book earlier in the year and stopped because someone else had wanted to read before they moved. It was hard to give it up but in the end I gave in. I am just now done with it and I can't even explain how much I loved it. The first paragraph is chilling and the author certainly has a way with words ("They keep us in the dark for so long that we lose sense of our eyelids"). I liked how the characters and situations in this story were not simply good or bad but various shades of grey. Housemaster Vaughn is a villain but the purpose behind his horrific acts is to find a cure, an ends justifies the means kind of guy. Even though Rhine was forced to become part of a polygamous lifestyle, she uses Linden to make her own life more comfortable. It was interesting to see how inner morals either bend or break when survival is at stake. There isn't much of a love triangle between Rhine, Linden and Gabriel in the usual sense but that's a good thing. I did wish that Rhine would have stayed. I didn't really like Gabriel. Linden was so innocent, couldn't she see that? It really wasn't that bad, to me and Linden's father was weird... he left me quite curious and wanting to know what he meant. Linden had really started to love her and care. Rhine should have told him what happened to the other girls who didn't make it. What happened to Rose after she died. Maybe she does in the sequel, I don't know but I'm veeeeerrrrrryyy curious to know what happens! I saw that most people didn't like it - but I, myself loved it.

Divergent

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her. - Amazon

My Review
If you read my other reviews, you know I LOVE dystopian genre. This book seriously kept me up all night. I couldn't stop reading it. And when I actually had to stop - it was all I could think about. Tris (Beatrice) drew me into her world quickly and I enjoied every minute of it. I loved the Dauntless and I especially loved Four. I loved how daring Tris was and how she was willing to do anything. She was so brave! I actually met Veronica at an RT booklovers convention in Chicago and she was really nice, I only wish I had known and read her book before I went so I could tell her how much I love her book! I finished it a few nights ago and I'm in NEED of the next one! I'm so curious and excited to see where everything goes. The entire book is action-packed with a satisfying but not overwhelming romance, funny, and has snide remarks. It's a great book for those who love the Hunger Games. There are plenty of twists that keep you guessing and new obstacles to overcome throughout the entire book. I had read some of the Uglies series a while ago and I connected it to that with the daring people and jumping off of trains.Unique book and had my absolutely hooked from the start, and sometimes you may find Tris unlikable for walking away at times when she could've reached out, but I find it realistic that she sometimes chooses to harden herself for emotional protection. She had me all, "WHAT!? WHY!?" But it made sense. Great book, can't wait 'till I can try and get the next one!

Hallowed

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning. - Amazon

My Review
Of course - I adored the second book to the 'Unearthly' series!! This book tells and reveals SO much more and I love it. It made me cry though. It was weird, while reading this book I felt as though whoever died in the book died in my life and I balled when I finished the book. Which is so strange, I was THAT attached. Clara never got a break it was problem after problem and I felt bad for her. Unearthly focused on her purpose and in Hallowed it focuses more on family and I liked that. I can't get over this book, I'm already reading another book and I still feel upset over it. Cynthia- you are an amazing writer. Seriously. I cannot WAIT for 2013. The ending was - AH! So much information and I have to wait that long?! Haha, amazing book and I'm excited for number 3!

The Vampire Diaries Series

The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening and The Struggle
Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants. Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past. Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her.

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and Dark Reunion
Elena: transformed, the golden girl has become what she once feared and desired. Stefan: tormented by losing Elena, he's determined to end his feud with Damon once and for all—whatever the cost. But slowly he begins to realize that his brother is not his only enemy. Damon: at last, he possesses Elena. But will his thirst for revenge against Stefan poison his triumph? Or can they come together to face one final battle?

The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall
To save the two vampire brothers who love her, Elena Gilbert sacrificed her life. Now that a supernatural force has brought Elena back from the dead, all handsome, brooding Stefan wants is to keep her safe. But when he is lured away from Fell's Church, sleek, powerful Damon seizes his chance to win Elena over, unaware of the danger they're both in. A malevolent being has infiltrated the town and is growing stronger. Able to possess Damon at will, the creature is also drawn to Elena and the new power she has acquired. But it's after more than Elena's power: It thirsts for her death

The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Shadow Souls

On the run... Elena Gilbert's love, the vampire Stefan Salvatore, has been captured and imprisoned by demonic spirits who are wreaking havoc in Fell's Church. In order to find him, Elena entrusts her life to Stefan's brother: Damon, the handsome but deadly vampire who wants Elena, body and soul. Elena will stop at nothing to free Stefan. Yet with each passing day the tension between Elena and Damon grows, and she is faced with a terrible decision: Which brother does she really want?
Back in Fell's Church, Bonnie and Meredith explore the evil that has taken over the town. Their research leads to some dire discoveries, and soon they are caught up in Elena's most dangerous adventure yet!

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The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Midnight                                                                                     

With the help of charming and devious Damon, Elena rescued her vampire love, Stefan, from the depths of the Dark Dimension. But neither brother returned unscathed. Stefan is weak from his long imprisonment and needs more blood than Elena alone can give him, while a strange magic has turned Damon into a human. Savage and desperate, Damon will do anything to become a vampire again—even travel back to hell. But what will happen when he accidentally takes Bonnie with him?
Stefan and Elena hurry to rescue their innocent friend from the Dark Dimension, leaving Matt and Meredith to save their hometown from the dangerous spirits that have taken hold of Fell's Church. One by one, children are succumbing to demonic designs. But Matt and Meredith soon discover that the source of the evil is darker—and closer—than they ever could have imagined...

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The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Phantom                                                                                   

The past is never far...
Elena Gilbert and her friends saved Fell’s Church from evil spirits bent on destroying it, but the town’s freedom came at a price: Damon Salvatore’s life.
Damon’s death changes everything. He and his vampire brother, Stefan, had been locked in a vicious battle for Elena’s heart. Now that he’s gone, Elena and Stefan can finally be together. So why can’t Elena stop dreaming of Damon? As Elena’s feelings for Damon grow, a new darkness is brewing in Fell’s Church. Elena has been to hell and back, but this demon is like nothing she’s ever seen. Its only goal is to kill Elena and everyone she loves.

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My Review

I absolutely adore these books, all of them. I figured this would be easier than making multiple blog posts. I love the story line, the love trianlge, the characters, the suspense. Katherine will always be a favourite of mine and I will always love Damon - though it's hard to choose. The books are FAR better than the show. Although it's fun to see your books come to life and see how they interact, they never stay true to the books which I suppose is understandable. In the show- I hate Stefan. Hate him so much. He's SO mean, while in the books he's sweet and loving and caring. This is a great series and I'm so glad that it's continuing and I encourage anyone and everyone to read the books. They're really great.

Madison's Life Lessons

Fate can mark one early for a particular future.
Madison Wescott’s life is Hell on earth. Her father, a Baptist Preacher, convinces her she’s morally corrupt when men notice her blooming beauty. She strives to be unnoticeable, but nothing satisfies her condemning parents.
And sometimes fate has nothing to do with one’s potential.
Temptation rears its head when Micah Dominus visits her father’s church on Christmas morning, but she is unprepared for her physical reaction to him. Frightened by her own emotions, she is grateful she’ll never see him again. But when he shows up again at a friend’s funeral, and at other times in her life, she’s swayed by his charisma. Micah becomes her white knight through the good and bad, but can they create the perfect life together? Or has she just located the beginning of the Road to Hell?
Supernatural forces more powerful than fate can claim one’s destiny… - Amazon

My Review

Wow, and I thought I loved Nix. Nope! This explains SO much about Micah and how he made Madison feel in 'Pandora's Box'. And now that I understand it all, I'm definately team Micah. Great love story, I liked that Micah was sweet and caring to Madison... it shows that he wasn't always bad. Or well - he wasn't ever bad at all, he never meant to hurt her. You don't really HAVE to read Madison's Life Lessons first, but it helps and I wish I did. Gracen, you amaze me with your writing. I can't wait to read Hell's Phoenix and see where things go!

Pandora's Box

Where does the road to Hell begin?
 What happens when your son turns homicidal overnight and your husband disappears on his way to work? Do you cower in fear or fight for your life? Madison Wescott fights against the odds. Distrustful of a God she doesn't believe in, she finds herself face-to-face with a world she didn't know existed and discovers her own soul is darkened with demonic connections.


With good intentions? Or by demonic design?


Phoenix Birmingham bursts into Madison’s life in a whirlwind of sarcasm and sexual appeal. A hero for the masses—and for her jaded heart—but few will ever know the sacrifices he has made or the sacrifices to come. Discovering her entire life has been influenced by multifaceted paranormal beings, Madison is determined to defeat the apocalyptic blueprint fate has decreed, but only one man dares to challenge the supernatural forces manipulating them. Even with Phoenix's aid, can destiny be denied? Or will demonic design prevail while they pay the crucial price with their souls?


In a small, sleepy Alabama town the battle for mankind's liberty has begun... - Amazon.com

My Review

I had been really interested in this book when I had a friend talk to me about it. Then I friended the author on Facebook and by the way - she's SUCH a sweetheart. I bought the book from her and I'm happy I did. I loved it so much, the first few pages really caught my attention and I couldn't stop reading once I started. I read it absolutely any and every chance I got because I couldn't put it down, and I finished it quickly. Not much of a cliffhanger but an amazing ending, none the less. I can't wait to read the second book, 'Hell's Phoenix.' I loved Madison, and her son scared the heck out of me at first! I LOVE Phoenix- or well Nix. I liked how Madison and Nix's relationship kind of slowly blossomed - they both stayed professional and kept to themselfs. It was a little... uh... shall we say - 'steamy' in some parts but I got over it, haha. All together - I really did love this book and I am SO thankful to Gracen! She's so talented in her writing and I couldn't believe how detailed she was in the beginning! Amazing, can't wait for more. There's also a prequel to Pandora's Box called ' Madison's life lessons.' I haven't read it yet, but I shall soon!

The Childe

Cat Colvin
Average teenager?
Or something else entirely?
Cat Colvin is pretty much your typical run-of-the-mill teenager. Sure, she's taller than most girls, has a mane of fiery red hair that's impossible to tame, is left-handed, and her eyes are two different colors, but that's where the differences end . . . unless you include the minor detail of her slow transformation into a Childe. High school can definitely be challenging, and for Cat it's no different. This is especially true when she's faced with the daunting task of trying to hide her budding Childe traits as they begin to reveal themselves at the most inopportune times. To make matters worse, her family is oddly dead set against Ryan, the boy she grows to like. But everyone has their secrets: is Ryan really what he seems to be, and what is Cat's family not telling her? - Amazon

My Review

So worth it! It was a little long and took a while for me to really get into it though. I genuinely enjoyed The Childe. Regarding the characters: Cat was cool! She was in many ways described as a normal teenage girl, but she was strong, feisty, curious and friendly. She was my favorite character together with Ryan. Ryan was simply adorable! He is good looking, sweet, and warmhearted. I loved everything about him and the scene where he gives his ring to Cat was so cute. Also, there is a character named Rachel and I love when my name is in books! I loved Cat's parents too, funny and caring. I do, unfortunately, have something bad to say - this book confused the heck out of me! It went from one person talking to another and it just confused me. I had to re-read a lot of it because it didn't make sense it took so long for me to figure out what each individual was and the definition of a Childe. I did enjoy it though and can't wait for a chance to read the second book, Dark Days. I want to thank both authors for sending me a copy to read and review, it was extremely generous and I can't thank you enough!